Aide: Cahill fundraiser John O’Brien traded for Lottery job

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

Writer

Posted Apr. 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 9, 2013 at 9:17 AM

Posted Apr. 9, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 9, 2013 at 9:17 AM

BOSTON

» Social News

A top aide to former state Probation Commissioner John O’Brien of Quincy testified in court that a fundraiser to benefit ex-state Treasurer Tim Cahill was organized with the understanding that it would help O’Brien’s wife land a job at the state Lottery.

Former Deputy Commissioner Francis Wall testified in O’Brien’s bribery and corruption trial Monday that he suggested to Probation Department employees that they attend and contribute at the 2005 event at a Quincy bar.

O’Brien’s wife, Laurie O’Brien, got the job and still works for the lottery, which is overseen by the treasurer.

Wall also reeled off a list of politicians, judges, mayors and other officials who asked O’Brien, of Quincy, to help friends or relatives get state jobs.

O’Brien’s lawyer said the way O’Brien ran the department was the way it had always been run, and did nothing illegal.

In their opening statements Thursday, the prosecution said the 2005 event in Quincy was part of a pattern of fundraisers organized by O’Brien to benefit politicians in exchange for jobs.

O’Brien resigned in 2010 after an independent counsel concluded that he oversaw a rigged hiring system during his 12 years in the department in which the politically connected were hired over more qualified candidates.

O’Brien’s lawyer told the jury they will hear from two lottery managers who will testify that they weren’t pressured to hire Laurie O’Brien.